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Statement from the Belize Police Department

BELIZE CITY, Belize, Jan. 16, 2016 /CNW/ -- On January 14, the proprietor of Nabitunich Resort in Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo reported Ms. Anne Swaney missing to law enforcement. Police engaged in a search for Anne, soliciting the assistance of a K-9 unit. After ending the search due to darkness on the night of January 14, the search continued on Friday, January 15. Police discovered her body at approximately 8:15 a.m. near the Mopan River. Physical examinations at the scene revealed visible bruises around her neck and lacerations on her head. She was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead. A post mortem autopsy was performed and revealed the cause of death to be asphyxia due to compression of the neck area, throttling and blunt force traumatic injuries to the head and neck. There were no signs of sexual assault as part of this examination.

Police apprehended and are questioning a person of interest who was found fishing near the scene of the crime. Additional information will be made available as the investigation proceeds.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Anne's family. We are dedicated to bringing swift justice to the person who committed this horrible act.